Tuesday Afternoon Regulars, The
by Thomas Tierney, Joseph Robinette

Five middle-school students affectionately, and somewhat wryly, call themselves "The Tuesday Afternoon Regulars" since they often find themselves in detention, perhaps on purpose, at that time each week.

Though individually quite different, they all have a common goal—to drop out of school.

We meet Leon, who aspires to quit school and run a gas station; Amber, a perpetual pre-teen beauty queen; Marcy, who can only see marriage to a high-school junior in her future; Nehi, who aims to be the youngest professional basketball star ever; Jamie-Boo, who desires show business more than graduation; and today a newcomer joins the "Regulars"—O

T., a distant loner, the tough guy.

Finally we encounter a larger-than-life character who must be seen to be believed.

On this particular Tuesday, the assistant principal, who is the detention supervisor, has long since despaired of his ability to reach the students, so he sets a plan into motion that is at once inspired, surprising and perhaps life-altering for the students.

With generous amounts of humor mixed with drama and poignancy, The Tuesday Afternoon Regulars is a sometimes tough, often tender and definitely tuneful trip into the lives of six adolescents-and their dreams, hopes and fears—who are nearing important crossroads in their early lives.

Commissioned by Valdosta State University and the Peach State Summer Theatre, in conjunction with Georgia's "Education: Go Get It" initiative, this musical has delighted, charmed and challenged thousands of students during its tour of Georgia and North Florida.

Approximate running time: 1 hour.

One interior set.